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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt 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 demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

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

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest 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, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.