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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

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 while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.