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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help England secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, building a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.