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

He was called upon as a substitute to help the hosts complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.