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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts secure a famous win against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost by two points.

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

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.