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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

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

However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, 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 in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.