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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 this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team tactically 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 begin against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

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

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

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

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

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

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

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.