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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support England complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, 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 - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.