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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts complete a famous win against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post 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 have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining in him.