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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

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

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.