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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work 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 when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.