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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 fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.