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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as England lost by a narrow margin.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

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

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.