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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance 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 or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

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, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from England.