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

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts complete a famous win against New Zealand, however was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action 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, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

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

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.