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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off England.