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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 as a substitute to help the hosts secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments the best."

Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.