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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 against New Zealand this weekend.

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

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability executing right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

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

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.