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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 this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

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

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

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

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

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.