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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted 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 assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.