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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

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

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

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

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

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

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

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

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

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

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

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.