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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

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

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

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

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.