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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts happened within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.