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

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make big calls is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

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

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

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

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive 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 the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.