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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

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

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

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

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.