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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

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

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately because three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.