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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, 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 in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.