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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically while making big calls is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.