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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England lost by a narrow margin.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

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

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.