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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control 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 and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

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

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

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

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

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

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.