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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

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

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, 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 games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

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

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.