According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.
The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.
His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.
His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.
His capacity to settle the team tactically and make big calls is something he has really nailed.
In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.
I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.
The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.
However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.
Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.
Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.
Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.
Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.
He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.
The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.
Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.
The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.
His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.
Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.
Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.
The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.
It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.
Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.
I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.
I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.
Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.
Fin has the ability executing right choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.
I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.
However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.
This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.
He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.
I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.
During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.
I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.
It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.
One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.
There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.
That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.
On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.
Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.
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