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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 assist England complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as 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 the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.