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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

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

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

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

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.