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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

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

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

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 them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

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

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