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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 observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, 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 challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.