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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

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

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those 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 pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.