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

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

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

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from England.