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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help England complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Each effort occurred within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.