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

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

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

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and correctly so as three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead in him.