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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

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

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.