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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

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

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.