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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

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

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.