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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.