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

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as England fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and rightly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.