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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the hosts complete a famous win against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and appropriately because three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.