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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the hosts close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as England lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and correctly so as three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.