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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the home side close out an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.