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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home since 2012.

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

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

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