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

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

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

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility 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 demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.