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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.