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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team tactically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees 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 due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

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

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.