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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.