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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from England.