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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility 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 show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.