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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and correctly so since three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.