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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

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

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.