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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England lost by two points.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

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

The two attempts came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left for him.