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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 against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.