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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

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

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

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

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.