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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.