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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist England secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.