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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.