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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference 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 mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind 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 role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

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

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.