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

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the home side close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.