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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.