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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 produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

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

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

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