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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by a narrow margin.

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

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to their initial victory over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

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

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and correctly so as three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.