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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to help England complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

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