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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, however failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a first win against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

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

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and correctly so as three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.