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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

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

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

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

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

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

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.