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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

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

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

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

Each effort came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

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

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.