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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, however was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.