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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the hosts complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.