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

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

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

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress off England.