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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

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

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"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 compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.