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

He was called upon from the bench to help the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left in him.