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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support England close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

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 absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

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

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.