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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

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

Currently, I don't think Smith is a 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 frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.