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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

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

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

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

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, building a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

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

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.