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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit 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 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect 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 explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and correctly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.