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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from England.