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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

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

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

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

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off England.