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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

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

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.