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

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

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

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

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

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.