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

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

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

Innate Qualities

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

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

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

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

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

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

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.