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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the home side complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win over New Zealand at home since 2012.

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

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

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

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

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

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.