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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing 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 against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.