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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

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

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

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

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

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

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

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

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.