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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.