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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.