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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.