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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

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