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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.