George Ford was selected to start versus the All Blacks over the Smith alternatives.
In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.
He was called upon from the bench to support the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.
In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.
His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.
The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.
The crucial point came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.
This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.
"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.
"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].
"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.
"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him on our team."
In 2024, the player's errors in kicking came at a price as the team was defeated by the All Blacks - however it proved a contrasting result on Saturday.
The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.
Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.
"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.
"We worked our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.
"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.
"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations the best."
Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.
Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.
"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.
"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and rightly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."
Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.
His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.
Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.
But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.
England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.
Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.
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