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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 fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, 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 role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on privately, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.