The fly-half position went to Ford to start facing the Kiwis instead of the Smith alternatives.
Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.
Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the home side close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as England fell short by a narrow margin.
Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.
His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.
At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to a first win against the All Blacks at home since 2012.
The crucial point came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.
This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.
"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.
"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].
"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.
"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to include him within our roster."
During 2024, the player's errors in kicking were expensive when England fell by the All Blacks - but it was a contrasting result in the recent game.
New Zealand began rapidly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.
Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the locker room with psychological advantage.
"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.
"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.
"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.
"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances the best."
The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.
Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.
"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.
"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."
Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.
His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.
After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.
However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.
The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.
Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining in him.
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