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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to support the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

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

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.