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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering 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's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

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

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

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

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

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

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

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

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

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

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.