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

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

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

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn'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, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.