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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to assist England close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and correctly so since three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining within him.