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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.