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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England close out an historic victory against New Zealand, however failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately since three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

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

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.