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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 against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

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

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making big calls is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

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

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.