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

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

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

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into 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 benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half and it looked 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 up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

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

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.