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

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to assist the team 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 when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and correctly so since three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

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

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.