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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

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

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

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

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

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

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.