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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also 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 requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.