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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from England.