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

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

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

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

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

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.