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

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

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

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

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

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

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

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

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

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

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.