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

He was called upon as a substitute to help England complete a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead within him.