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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed really 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 and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

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

The two attempts occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead within him.