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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and correctly so since three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

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

After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead in him.