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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 this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

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 error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

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

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.