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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant 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 Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

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

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.