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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the home side complete an historic victory against New Zealand, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success 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 warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

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

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.