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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

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

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.