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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

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

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.