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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

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

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, 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 prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress off England.