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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

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

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

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

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.