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

He was called upon from the bench to help England complete an historic victory against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks 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 overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and rightly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.