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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

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

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

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

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.