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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the hosts secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

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

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.