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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

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

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete 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 channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.