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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

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

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

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

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.