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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to support England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

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

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

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

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.