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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 the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

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

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

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe 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 ability to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

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

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

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

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

There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.