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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

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

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.