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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help England complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.