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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the home side close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal while his team lost by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

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

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.