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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 fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen 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 demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

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

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

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

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.