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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

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

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments the best."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left in him.