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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

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

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments the best."

Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.