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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a first win against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.