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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.