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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

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

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

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

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.