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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help England close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to a first win against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

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

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.