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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

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

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

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

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

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

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off England.