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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

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

I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

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

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

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

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

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

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress off England.