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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance 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 skill and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.