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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 off the sidelines to help England secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining for him.