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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the home side close out a famous win against New Zealand, however missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia 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 theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.