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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.