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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as his side lost by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.