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

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

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

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

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

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

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

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.