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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the home side secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

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

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.