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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.