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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.