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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach 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 favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.