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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

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

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

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

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger 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 within him.