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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

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

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

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

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

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

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.