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

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the home side complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments the best."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.