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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round 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 global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.