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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

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

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.