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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact 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 unfold while substituted while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

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

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

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

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

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