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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the home side close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

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

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

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