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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.