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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made several crucial choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

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

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.