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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to support England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

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

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and rightly so because three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.