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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.