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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist England complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half 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. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and rightly so as three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.