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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the home side close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by two points.

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

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, 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 All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.