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

He was called upon from the bench to assist the hosts close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and appropriately because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.