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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support the hosts complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.