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

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia 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 below par Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

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

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits 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 swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

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

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress off England.