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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

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

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

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

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.