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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.