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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves 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 we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

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

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, 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 to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.