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

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

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

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