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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of 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 when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.