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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

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

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn 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 around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.