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

He was called upon from the bench to support the hosts secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

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

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.