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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

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

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

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

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

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

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.