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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals 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 unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

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

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

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

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

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

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

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

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.