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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

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

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

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

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at 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 occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

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

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.