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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

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

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

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

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

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

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be 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 milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

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

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

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

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.