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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks 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 once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened 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, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.