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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as England fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

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

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead in him.