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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage 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 in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.