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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

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

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.