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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.