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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

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

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

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

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

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, 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, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

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

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

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

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

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 problems.

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

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.