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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

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

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, 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 reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

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

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

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

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability executing right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

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

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

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

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.