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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England lost by a narrow margin.

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

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.