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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help England close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts happened within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.