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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist England close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.