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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

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

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become 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 benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

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

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

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

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.