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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.