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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend 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 Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were 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 championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.