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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

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

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.