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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.