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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments the best."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.