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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive 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 stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities 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 as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

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

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.