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

He was called upon off the sidelines to support England secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help England to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and correctly so since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.