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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to support the hosts close out an historic victory against New Zealand, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while 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 coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations the best."

Both kicks happened within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.