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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

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

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role 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 transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

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

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.