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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

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

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

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

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

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

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off England.