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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 this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.