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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support England close out an historic victory against New Zealand, however was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.