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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

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

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.