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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post 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 commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately because three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory 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 ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.