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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

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

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.