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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

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

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should start against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

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

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.