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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

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

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.