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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

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

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

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

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 and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

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

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.