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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

The two attempts came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided 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 tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.