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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.