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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty and drop-goal as England lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and appropriately because three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.