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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

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

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place 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 and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

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

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off the national team.