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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the hosts complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and correctly so since three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.