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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and appropriately because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

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

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.