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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

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

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from England.