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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support the hosts secure a famous win against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

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

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.