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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 from the bench to assist the hosts complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

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

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and correctly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.