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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

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

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

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

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.