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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

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

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

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

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off England.