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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

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

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue 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, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off England.