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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses 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 performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from England.