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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the home side complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help England to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

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

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and appropriately because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.