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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

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

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.