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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.