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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display observed 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 control, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

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

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

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

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.