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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered 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 better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off England.