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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty and drop-goal as England fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.