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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type influential player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.