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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 versus New Zealand this weekend.

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

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

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

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

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

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

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

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.