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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off England.