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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments the best."

Each effort came within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so as three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.