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

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a late penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

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

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and rightly so since three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.