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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the home side complete a famous win against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.