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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

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

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.