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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should start against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

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

Numerous factors that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.