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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the home side close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

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