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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist England close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

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

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

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

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.