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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the home side secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase 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].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.