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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

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 matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.