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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort came within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.