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

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the hosts close out an historic victory against New Zealand, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left in him.