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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 this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

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

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.