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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the home side complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.