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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.