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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations the best."

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

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.