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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist England secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.