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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

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

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should 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.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

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

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

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

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.