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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

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, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.