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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support the hosts secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.