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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and correctly so since three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed England excellently around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead for him.