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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

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

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

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.