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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

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

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.