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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 versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

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

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off England.