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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

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

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

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

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.