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

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

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

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want 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

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

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

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.