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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted 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

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.