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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

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

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.