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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations the best."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

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