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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 support England secure a famous win against New Zealand, however was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes 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 away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and rightly so as three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.