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

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

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think 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 as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off England.