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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 we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

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

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

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

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.