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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment 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 England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.