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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

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

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.