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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and correctly so as three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.