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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and rightly so because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.