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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the hosts close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining for him.