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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to help England close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, building a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

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

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.