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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the home side secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

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

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

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

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

Each effort came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.