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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

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

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

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

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.