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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.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

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

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

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

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.