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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist England secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting 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 at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

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

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.