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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to support England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

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

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.