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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 against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt 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 versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

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

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.