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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left within him.