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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

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 in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

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

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.