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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity 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 chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.