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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the hosts close out an historic victory against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England lost 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.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.