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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to support England secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

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

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments the best."

Both kicks happened within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.