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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the home side secure an historic victory against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.