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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

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

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.