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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, presently maintaining 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.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.