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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and rightly so since three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.