The Reasons England's Rising Star Represents The National Team's Top Choice Playmaker

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

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

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession 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 to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.