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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and rightly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.