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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the home side close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break 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 compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

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

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead for him.