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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and appropriately because three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.