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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.