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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 versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

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

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.