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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered 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 was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

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

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players 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 while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

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

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

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

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

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

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.