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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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 number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type influential player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

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

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.