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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 against New Zealand this weekend.

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

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

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

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

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him 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 position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

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

Numerous factors that go on privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.