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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 produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.