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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance 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 lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

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

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

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

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

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.