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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the hosts close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations the best."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and rightly so as three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

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

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.