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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the home side complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.