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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to their initial victory over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 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 decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.