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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

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

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and correctly so since three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.