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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type influential player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

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

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.