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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance 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 game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should start against New Zealand next week.

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

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin 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 New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.