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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

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

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

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

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off the national team.