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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

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

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

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

Numerous factors that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.