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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits 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 from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

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

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him there.

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

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.