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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the hosts secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.