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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help England complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.