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

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering 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 at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those 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 the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, 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 he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.