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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered 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 needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

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

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

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

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

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

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.