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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

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

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.