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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to help England complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so since three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.