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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet missed a late penalty and drop-goal as England fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations the best."

The two attempts occurred within close succession while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.