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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.