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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

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

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.