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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 delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

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

I believe head coach the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise 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 opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

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

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.