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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.