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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

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

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked 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 to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

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

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.