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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations the best."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining for him.