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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

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

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half 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 leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.