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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to support the hosts close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.