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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

Each effort occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and correctly so as three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.