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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability executing right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.