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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the hosts complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and appropriately as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.