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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 versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

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

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.