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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside 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 versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

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

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

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

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

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 all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

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

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from England.