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

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and rightly so since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.