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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil 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 reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

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