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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 against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

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

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.