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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

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

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off the national team.