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Back 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 close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [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 fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left in him.