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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the hosts close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, building a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

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

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

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

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.