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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

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

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

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