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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

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

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.