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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

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

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

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.