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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the home side secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to their initial victory over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.