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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to help the home side complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.