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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

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

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 from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off the national team.