According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.
The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.
How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.
His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.
His ability to calm the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.
From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks next week.
I think the manager the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.
The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.
But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.
Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.
The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.
Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.
Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.
He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.
The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.
That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.
The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.
His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.
Should we develop Smith as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.
Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.
The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.
This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.
Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.
I struggle to see the benefit fielding him in that position.
I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.
Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.
Fin has the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.
I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.
But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.
That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins World Cups.
He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.
I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.
In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.
I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.
It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.
You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.
There are so many factors occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.
This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.
This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.
Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.
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