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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

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

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

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

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

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

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

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

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.