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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to support England secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten in a close contest.

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

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left in him.