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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the home side secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

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