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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

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

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

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

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.