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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help England close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to their initial victory over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.