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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the home side secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.