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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

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

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

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

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

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

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

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