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

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

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

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

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

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom 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 individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off England.