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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to assist the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

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

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.