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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the home side secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a first win over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

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

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.