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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 fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe 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 versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop while substituted while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.