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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.