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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

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

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.