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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the home side close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet missed a late penalty and drop-goal as his side lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

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

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and rightly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.