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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing 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 introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions 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 want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however 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 optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.