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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

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

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in 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 done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half 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 coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.