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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

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

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

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

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

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

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