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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the home side complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations the best."

The two attempts came within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining within him.