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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.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

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

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

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

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.