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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.