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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate 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 distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.