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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

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

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

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

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from England.