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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop while substituted while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

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

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

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