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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

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

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from England.