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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the home side close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.