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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

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

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.