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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

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

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

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

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

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

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.