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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably 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 Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

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

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first 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 do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.