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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 versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

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

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

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

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

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 they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.