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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the home side secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

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

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.