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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 support the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.