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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the home side secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments the best."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.