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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

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

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced 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 beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

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

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

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

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.