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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

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

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.