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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

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

There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.