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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

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

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

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

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness 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 and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.