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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Both kicks happened within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.