According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.
Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.
How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.
His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.
His ability to calm the team strategically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.
In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.
I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.
George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.
But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.
Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.
The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.
The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.
The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.
He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.
The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.
Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.
McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.
His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.
Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.
Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.
New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.
This role that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.
Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.
I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.
I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.
There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.
Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.
I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.
However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.
This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.
He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.
I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.
During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.
I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.
This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.
One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.
Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.
That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.
On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.
Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.
Milan is een ervaren opticien met een passie voor visuele technologie en klantgerichtheid.
