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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

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

After beginning England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.