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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to help the home side complete an historic victory against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

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

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.