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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

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

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately since three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.