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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

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

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

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