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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

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

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

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