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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

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

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

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

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, 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, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.