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

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.