According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.
The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.
How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.
His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.
His ability to calm the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.
In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.
I think head coach the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.
George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.
However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.
Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.
Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.
Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.
Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.
He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.
New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.
Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.
McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.
His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.
If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.
Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.
New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.
It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.
Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.
I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him there.
I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.
Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.
Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.
I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.
However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.
This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.
He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.
I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.
In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.
I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.
It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.
You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.
There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.
That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.
This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.
Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.
Rashid Al-Mansoori is a tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering innovations and digital transformations in the Middle East.
