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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

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

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type influential player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball 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 numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.