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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to assist the hosts secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into 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 our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so since three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

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

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.