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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the hosts complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short by a narrow margin.

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

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half 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 drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.