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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.

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

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.