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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

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

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

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

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

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

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

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

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

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.