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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England complete a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

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

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.