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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the home side complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Each effort occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.