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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically and make big calls is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, 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 picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.