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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

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

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

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

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance 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 similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.