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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.