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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.