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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.