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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.