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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should 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 to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

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

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.