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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.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

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

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.