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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, building a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

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

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.