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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches 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 from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.