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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

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

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

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

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.