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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

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

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming 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, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

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

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

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

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

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.