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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

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

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

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

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

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

There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

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

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off England.