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

He was called upon as a substitute to help the home side complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

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

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.