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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 the All Blacks this weekend.

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

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

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

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off England.