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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back 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 within him.