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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

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

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.