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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

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

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

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

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

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

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.