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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should start against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.