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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help England complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down 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 decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts happened within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.