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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference 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 influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.