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

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

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

However, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

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

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

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

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.