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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 versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

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

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

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

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

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