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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off the national team.