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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe 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 suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

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

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off England.