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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

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

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

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

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.