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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team tactically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

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

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

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

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.