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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

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

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

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