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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

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

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

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

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.