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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

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

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

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

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

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

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.