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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals 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 in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago 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, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations the best."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.