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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

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

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.