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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

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

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

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

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.