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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the home side close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

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

Each effort came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.