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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

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

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

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.