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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Each effort occurred within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left within him.