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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to support the hosts complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

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

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger 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 in him.