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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support England secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

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

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.