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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments the best."

The two attempts came within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

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

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.