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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 versus New Zealand on Saturday.

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically while making big calls is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

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

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.