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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help England secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.