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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist England close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

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 after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.