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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.