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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the hosts complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.