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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-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 help the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.