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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.