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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support England close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in 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.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

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

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

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

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

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

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

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

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.