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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

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

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition 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 championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off England.