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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations the best."

The two attempts came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead within him.