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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

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

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.