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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the home side close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

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

Both kicks happened within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.