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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself 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 while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

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

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

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands 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 numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

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

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

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.