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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

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 and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

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

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

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

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

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.