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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the home side complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Each effort came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining within him.