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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.