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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required 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 composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off England.