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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

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

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

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

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.