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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the hosts complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

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

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.