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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

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

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations the best."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.