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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered 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 demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

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

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds 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 fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.