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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team strategically while making big calls is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

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

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type influential player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

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

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.