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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 observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

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

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

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

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

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 show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.