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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from England.