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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost 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 Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

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

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop while substituted while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

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

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off England.