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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the home side complete a famous win against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

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

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.