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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.