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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.