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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist England complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within close succession as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus 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 tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and correctly so as three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left in him.