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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had 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 feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and appropriately since three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.