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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support England complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.