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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.