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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to help England complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States 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 through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.