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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 this weekend.

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

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 domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off the national team.