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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

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

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

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

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.