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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team strategically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part 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 were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type influential player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

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

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

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

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

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

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.