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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

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

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.