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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead in him.