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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team strategically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, 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.

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.