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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the home side secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.