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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England complete a famous win against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a first win over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining within him.