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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, 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 decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.