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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

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

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

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

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts 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 should they spread play.

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

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.