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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to support England close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

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 versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

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

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.