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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

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

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

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

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off England.