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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

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

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.