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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the home side complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

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

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.