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

He was called upon from the bench to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

Each effort came within close succession while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.