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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having 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.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

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

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

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

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

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.