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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.