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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so since three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.