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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to assist the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

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

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.