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

He was called upon off the sidelines to help England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost by two points.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining within him.