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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 New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

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

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically and make big calls is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

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

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from England.