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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly 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 in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.