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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

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

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.