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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is 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 and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

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

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.