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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

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

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

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

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

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

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.