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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 New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.