In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.
Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.
His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.
His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.
His ability to calm the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.
From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.
I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.
The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.
But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.
The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.
Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.
The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.
Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.
He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.
New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.
Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.
The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.
His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.
Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.
However, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.
New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.
It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.
Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.
I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.
I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.
Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.
Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.
I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.
But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.
This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.
He also has composure during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.
I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.
During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.
I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.
This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.
One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.
Numerous factors that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.
That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.
This time, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks significantly.
Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.