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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, 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 ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments the best."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left within him.