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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential performer, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.