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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the home side close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.