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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.