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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the home side close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

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