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

He was called upon from the bench to assist the home side complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left for him.