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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to assist the home side close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

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 during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts happened within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.