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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey 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, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.