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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

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

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

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

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, 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 delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.