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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

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

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.