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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

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

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, 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.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult 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 in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off England.