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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.
Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.
How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.
His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.
Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command
His capacity to settle the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.
In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.
I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.
Squad Decisions and Competition
The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.
However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.
Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.
The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.
Long-term Potential
Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.
Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.
He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.
Substitute Influence
The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.
That kind of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.
McKenzie observes the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.
His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.
Role Discussion
If we can get Smith as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.
However, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.
The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.
It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.
Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.
I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.
I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.
Natural Instincts
There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.
Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.
I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.
But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying the screw.
This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.
All-round Ability
He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.
I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.
In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.
I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.
Defensive System
This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.
One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.
Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.
That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.
This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.
Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.
