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

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.