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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.