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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 home side close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations the best."

Each effort came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left for him.