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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the hosts complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

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

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

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

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.