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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.