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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.