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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

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

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

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

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off England.