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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team'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.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

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

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.