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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.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

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

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

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

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.