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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

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

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.