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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead for him.