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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

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

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold 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 career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

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

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

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first 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.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.