In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.
The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.
His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.
His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.
His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.
From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.
I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.
George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour 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, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.
Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.
The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.
The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.
He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.
New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.
That kind of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.
McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.
His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.
Should we develop Smith as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.
However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.
New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.
This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.
Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.
I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him there.
I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.
There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.
Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.
I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.
However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.
This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.
He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.
I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.
In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.
I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.
It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.
You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.
There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.
This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.
This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.
Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.
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