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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the home side close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten in a close contest.

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

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.