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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

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 played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate 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 with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

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

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.